Oct 15, 2024 Story by: Editor
Ohio State Senator Michele Reynolds (R – Canal Winchester) voiced her concerns about how Issue 1 might affect Black representation in Ohio’s State House and Congress.
Issue 1 is a proposed constitutional amendment aiming to change the authority over redistricting. Currently, political maps are drawn by the seven-member Ohio Redistricting Commission, comprised of elected officials. If passed in November, Issue 1 would replace this commission with a 15-member citizen-led group, including five Republicans, five Democrats, and five Independents. Politicians and lobbyists would be barred from the commission.
This amendment emerged after the Ohio Supreme Court invalidated several maps created by the current commission, declaring them unconstitutionally gerrymandered in favor of Republicans.
Supporters of Issue 1 argue that it would end gerrymandering in Ohio, while opponents contend that it could actually necessitate gerrymandering.
At a press event, Reynolds, Ohio’s only Black Republican state senator, argued that Issue 1 could undermine minority representation. She referred to Michigan’s similar independent commission, which led to a decline in Black legislators there—from 20 to 16—and left Detroit, a predominantly Black city, without Black representation for the first time in 70 years. Reynolds cautioned that Ohio might see the same outcome if Issue 1 is enacted.
“I am deeply concerned about the disastrous effects that Issue 1 will have on the Black state legislative and congressional districts in Ohio. Ohio’s Issue 1 could lead to a loss of representation for minority communities as seen in Michigan,” Reynolds said. “Instead of ensuring fairer maps, the reform could fragment cohesive minority voting blocks, diluting our political influence.”
The Ohio Coalition on Black Civic Participation, however, supports Issue 1. CEO Pierrette “Petee” Talley highlights that the amendment mandates compliance with the federal Voting Rights Act and prioritizes community integrity.
“That’s why civil rights groups like mine of the Ohio Unity Coalition, the Ohio NAACP, and the Ohio Organizing Collaborative are urging a yes vote,” Talley stated. “We actually can get representation that is fair, that is more balanced, that does not break apart communities or pack them into other communities.”
Rebecca Szetela, former Chair of Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, joined Senator Reynolds in opposition to Issue 1, noting that Michigan’s commission faced challenges, including a lack of accountability and experience among members responsible for drawing district maps. Source: 10 WBNS
